Life Updates

First off, i don't know if most of you know but I got a new job. It's been awhile but it might be news to some of you. I am loving it and no, I didn't leave my old job because I didn't love it. It may have been a little stressful but I loved it. 

Moving along, is the theme. 😘

It's 5am and I Can't Sleep

I can't sleep. I keep waking up and have that empty feeling. Over and over. Over. I miss my first born, we dropped him off to his dorm last Friday. I can't even talk about it yet. 

I sure hope this feeling will diminish in time. 

Just Another Day--- #Hokage

After the boys' haircut, we went to have dinner at koi, a sushi place close by. Fair warning, it's not worth it. It's expensive and there's nothing special about it. File this under #LlagaLast. 

While eating, I ask the kids, what does Hokage mean and they went ballistic. Questions such as mom, where'd you learn that, mom when did you even know that word and many others. I felt like a queen with bountiful knowledge. But they were still cracking up and I wasn't getting my answer so I asked again. They explained that it's an anime where this kid wants to grow up to be a hokage ( highest level of ninjahood--ha, there is such) but he is the worst ever-- awkward and such and it doesn't help that his dad was the most well known Hokage in all of Japan. So you know, the struggle is real. 

I then said, wow, I must be a Hokage! Best in what I do, I said. They all went back to eating even though there was no more food. 

Mga buwisit. Such is my life. How's your Thursday?

Daily Musings-- Mickey Bustos

Hello there my dear, so sorry I haven't updated for a long time but here you go!

On our way home after school shopping ( which was just supposed to be a quick hair color pick up) after the dental appointments of the boys, Pherry, out of the blue said, " are you promdi or sosi?" In unquestionable Mickey Bustos voice, a nod to his Filipino roots. Then the other two started screaming like crazy and leads Josh to ask, " is that the bald guy? If yes, I know him too!" Pherry ask what sosi means and and I told them it's a slang/play of words to social/sosyal which has been mean to be acting upper class in Filipino societal norms. With a few more examples, Pherry then said, " do you mean promdi is?" And they all start to giggle. Hahahahha, it's promdi, "from the province" as suburban people. Promdi connotes no class, cheap, Jologs    The closest I could think of is like suburbs people but it's not exactly.

But that's not the story. They then go on and say, "wahahahaha, from the province is promdi coz you guys interchange f and p!" That's right! Otherwise it would have been FromTheProvince but it's PromTheFrovince or promdi for short. 

That's all, goodnight folks. 

See I A

I came home Monday and this is what I came home to;

" Ma, I applied for internship at the CIA," Pherry said and then "only coz the clandestine agent application is closed." I said ok, that's cool. After a few minutes he followed me to the deck and talked about it some more. Deadma Nga ako, kasi CIA nga. 

Then yesterday, he followed me to the front while I was watering the plants. "Ma, I followed the chat rooms  about the internships at the CIA... Blah blah blah." I followed with Ah, ooooh, wow, cool, really... And some other expressions. CIA nga kasi. 

Then today, while the kids were all laughing on how Pherry is now learning the Running Man dance, I asked " KC, did you know Kuya applied at the CIA?" 

KC was like no, when did that happen? So I asked Pherry, "Kuya, when would you know if you got accepted at the CIA?" He said, "you won't know, it's the CIA."

Kasi nga, CIA! Ano ba?

Brag Day---Academic Awards Night at Quincy High

Aaaaaaaw! I am a proud Mama! 

Tonight we attended Quincy's academic awards night. The twist, they don't tell you which award you're getting. I learned now how it ranges from vocational ( carpentry, culinary etc) to Math and Science as well as Principal's award and Pride ( school spirit). 

My Pherry got GOLD Presidential Academic Award. Gold! That means 4.0 GPA PLUS at least 3 Advance scores in MCAS! Side story, when I told him how proud I am, he told me he got perfect score for Math and Science in MCAS. Not just Advance score, it was perfect Ma! Hahahaahah. Oo nga naman. 

That's all he got though. Some kids got multiple awards like excellence in Math, visual arts etc. I was kind of expecting I.T. AND History but they didn't give out those or maybe none were qualified. Iwas particularly  happy when Leadership and School Spirit awards were given out. These are students who excel academically AND are socially responsible and contributes much to the community. 

Most of Pherry's friends were awarded too but I was particularly proud of Stanley and Matthew. 

Stanley

After school, Stanley runs off to Boston to work for his father every single day, yet he excels academically. Hardwork pays off, right Stanley?

Matthew

Matthew, Matthew Matthew! He has been friends with Pherry since elementary years. He was one of only 4Pride  Awards recipient! Did I tell you he is Mr. QHS? Yup, Brains and Brawn!

Here's a few pictures! 

I am beaming with pride with these three kids. 

Us--- proud parents. 

I will never tire of telling everyone how extremely proud I am of my kids but tonight, let me tell you how I am extremely happy that Pherry is setting the bar so high and being such a great model for his siblings. 

Soar high Pherry, I know you'd do really well in life. I'm in tears right now so I'll write more senti message next post. 😔

Oh, here's that Barack Obama signature. The first one we have in our household was also of Pherry's silver one but now it is gold!  

Brag Day-- graduation edition

It's been too long! I know! Sorry. Believe me though, it's not for the lack of brag materials hahahahha. I've just been too lazy to write. Once I get home after a long commute, all I want to do is watch my crime drama shows. Hahahah. 

Anyways, I haven't updated you with so many things but I promise I will soon. 

It's not a secret that Chris and I are proud of our kids but it's so emotional to finally see Pherry finish high school with no issues. We were never called to the school, all I hear from his teachers is how

he is such a wonderful young man. Anyway, he called me telling me that we need to go the awards night. I said I already am. He said , "ma, this is aside from the scholarship awards. " 

Mauubos vacation time KO nito eh! 

Scholarship Awarding

Awards Night

Ma, the blue tassels everyone gets, the yellow one is only for National Honor Society as well as the special bib. The red tassel is for Skills USA. How about History Bowl and Robotics? They don't give out special ones for those.  Ma, just be glad my award is not for perfect attendance or best dressed. Lokong bata. But best dressed is good?! He looks at me dagger sharp then said, you only you would say that Ma.

 

PS: anong masama sa best dressed?

PPS: most punctual, pwede?

PPPS: Most in School Donation, meron?

Last na: Extra Curricular activity awardee?

Life Update

So what have we been up to?

Pherry-- very busy with school and college application. He is trying to bring his GPA a little higher to make sure he gets in his preferred college. This is him now during his cousin's christening. 

KC- oh what can I tell you. This young miss is very busy at school. Between her volunteer time at the library, being Vice President of the freshmen class, and  making sure she is still getting her As. Funny story: she came home to say she was number 54 of all freshmen. I said it was a good one. Then she said, but,Cindy and Taylor are 3 and 5. Left speechless, I just said well at least you pick good friends. She was laughing. 

We went to see the Boston Pops yesterday and it's so much fun to dress up with her. 

 Josh- what can I tell you about Bunso. Still such a sweet boy. He has grown so tall though and when I look at photos just a few years ago, he has changed dramatically. He had his spacers placed last Thursday and will get braces by next Saturday. He maintains good grades  and is very social. He is very loving. But you know what I really love, I love listening to his recorded voice message when he misses a phone call. So innocent and young. 

 

You probably seen this photo but so far this is my fave recently so here is my family. 

 How are you? How's your family?

Decision Made

I don't know where to start or how to say anything at all. There are so many emotions and info I would like to share. 

I have never cried so hard deeply more than when my father died until last night. The reasons are mixed and none any more than the other. Pherry made the decision last night to go to University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am very happy and elated that this prestigious public university has accepted him knowing how competitive college of engineering is. I don't know, I called Pherry down so I can talk to him but when I saw him, my heart just burst! I just started crying, like hard-core crying. I literally couldn't breath. My son, my first born just stood there, hugged me really tight and never said a word. We knew, we understood each other without saying anything. We both know what is in each other's hearts. 

It's difficult to explain. I cried and I hurt for so many reasons. For sure I cried coz it is reality--- he is moving out! I won't have my first born around. I won't have my champion, my pride and my super wonderful son. He is simple, he wouldn't ask you to buy him anything. I have never had any major issues with him or his siblings but more so with him. I never had a difficult time raising him coz he was self sufficient and independent. In fact I long for days he would need me. 

College Search Not Ending Soon

XSo we all have to be up early to visit UMAA Boston again for their open house for accepted students. It was fun and humbling when some of the student leaders started talking about declining invitations from " prestigious schools :read --expensive" coz they couldn't afford otherwise but NEVER regretted the decision to join a cheap prestigious school. Which way to go? I don't know, it's up to my little man. 

Let me share to you what I believe. Sure, going to an IVY brings a lot of honor especially to a mom like me but not everyone can be an IVY student. That, is the first step--- acceptance. It doesn't mean your student is not top notch. Pherry got accepted to what a lot of people would say "second tier" school--- Syracuse, Fordham, Boston University, University of Massachusetts are nothing to scoff about especially he got full ride at UMass and a lot of money at Fordham. 

Listen, I've started my research a few years ago and the more you read the more you get confused. There's a ton of list out there that tells you this and that school is the best--- best in the world, best in computer science/ other fields , best value for your money, best for student life/experience, best for employment, best in campus, best city life, and best for blah blah blah. But who knows what's best for you? Sure, some recognizable school tells you they get you to a job with 6 figures, but then you owe $300,00 after 4 years? Can your parents afford, can you afford?  Oh yeah, you like to live in a nice campus with great sports town, does it give you the best in your major? It's so cheap but it's not really good for you and is not to your liking, is it still cheap? Good schools give you good network, but can't you make the same on your own? Bottom line is, the best is what is the best FOR YOU. 

Let me share from my own experience. My two bestfriends make 6-figure salaries and yet they didint go to IVYs nor $64,000 schools. In fact they went to a third-world country school- Philippines. I know someone who went to an Ivy but does not come close to making what I make. But he is happy with what he does. That's important.I know someone who has a PhD in Physics from MIT no less but makes so much more money selling mattresses. Go ahead, visit his website www. Mattressnerd .com, tell him Bernadette referred you. 😜  In my career, I work with MDs and PhDs, most from Harvard and MIT yet their interests are so much different. If you don't know them, you wouldn't even know they're published authors and well know scientists. 

Fooling As If

Since transitioning to management, I have been to many many meetings. Meetings.....

Anyway, you know how you can't talk because what the other people are saying are utterly absurd and it's not worth it and it's plain stupid to even allocate a sentence? Or the total opposite that you feel you are the only one talking coz no one is interested in your proposal and you secretly swear to yourself marking each face buried in cellphones and "pretend" taking notes to NEVER support them next time they do have a proposal too? Yup, been there done that. 

But for me, the most ridiculous ones are the people who think they will come out winners of a discussion/ argument just because you are being quiet and tactful and they go on and on and on talking about themselves and how this and that and you're this and you're that.... because they are making themselves look stupid! 

Listen, I can be as sarcastic as you are believe me I can but I choose not too because there is a place and time for all that. I can be rude and nasty like you, believe me I can, my nickname growing up is not Bads for nothing  but I choose not too because I can see how awful it is to be rude just by looking at your mouth spitting saliva on the table. I can be argumentative as you are, believe me I can. I am not orator of the year for nothing but I choose not to. Why? Because there is no point in arguing with mindless talking machines like you who have no agenda whatsoever but to spew rabid lies and accusations. Also, last but not the least, I can be condescending like you and believe me I can. I created the title Condescending Queen. But you know what? I choose not too. For the pure reason that I don't need to be condescending towards you as you are already doing the damage on your own--- putting yourself down. 

Sometimes the only response I give to people such as the aforementioned types is to keep still. Silence. Because the moment I open my mouth, I may unleash the wrath I have and regret it later. I don't regret anything I have ever said or done. Maybe regret it because I hurt the people I love but I take responsibility for it. I stand for my own words. Never bending it, or worse denying it altogether. 

So let me just share a little thought and maybe somehow one who comes across this post can learn one thing. During meetings, discussions, arguments, rebuttals or whatever it may be, stop for a second and take a closer look at who you are. Calling people names, denying any incidents or falsely accusing people do not make you the winner. On the contrary, you are defining yourself at that very moment. On the other hand, not because the other party is quiet and intently looking at you, it does not mean they are agreeing with you or they are nibs for allowing your bad behavior. No no no. In my case, I'm just usually stunned for such atrocities that my expressions and words don't coincide anymore. Hahahahahha. Even my " resting bitch face" can't come outt with such vile person. 

Yes folks, that's my day. How's yours? On the other hand, when I got home, my two boys were cooking with me, singing 90's music with me and my eldest dancing with me to the tune of the Beatles' Imagine. So there you go, I may just have a better home life than others. 

College Application Updates

Hello!

I don't think I told you about Pherry's non-acceptance to MIT. Yes, he did not get in. But that's alright. He said it doesn't mean he wasn't good enough, there are just 1500 more students in the whole world smarter than him that they can actually accept. Way to go for that fighting spirit Kuya! 

Anyways, if you follow me on my social media, you know he got accepted to Wentworth Institute of Technology. Coincidentally, it's the first acceptance as it was the first college we visited this summer. Cool ha! They offered academic scholarship for half-tuition guaranteed for 4 years if he maintains an average of whatever, I forgot. All I know is that he said, that's nothing. Way to go Kuya! Seeing the pattern yet of my son's fighting spirit?

But you're not here for those news above! You are here because he got accepted to UMASS. UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS. Not too impressed? Well, what if I told you he is offered the Chancellor's scholarship? What does that mean? Full tuition and other mandatory fees amounting to $12,500. Coupled with the Abigail Adams scholarship he received last year, we basically don't have to pay a single penny! Not a single penny! Wait wait! There's more! He is accepted to the Honor's College of the Umass School system. It's the rigorous program at all the UMASS academic schools. Shut the front door! I am super duper proud of my first born! What am I going to do with all the money I saved for his college education? Hahahahahah. Just kidding my dear friends. 

Anyways, all these scholarship are merit/ academic ones. We have not gotten any financial scholarship just yet. That would really supplement all his needs. But who needs financial aid when you can use--- you know--- brain powers to pay for anything! Kidding again. Just being funny as I am super psyched!

Awaiting for other schools so we can all finally move on. Ha, why save for college education when you can invest in your child. Focus on them, nurture them, be with them and you don't have to pay a penny! 

Conversations in the Kitchen

Apparently I have been marked at Quincy High's basketball games that my presence is requested for the game tomorrow. After I refused to go coz KC's been telling me how her coaches ask about me after the Quincy vs Plymouth game, here's the convo by the kitchen tonight;

KC: mom, you gotta go. Please!

Me: I am not. Hahahahah 

Josh: mom, I won't go so you can go. I'm not gonna stop you from cheering. Also, now we will be one of the notable Quincy families. We will be the most fun family. You know. (As he pretends to be a funny guy)

KC: and mom, dress up like you're going to  your friend from Lexington and Tita Leila's) coz we're playing against(?) you know those fancy moms who are so snobbish. ( does a b*tchy mom impersonation)

Me: who you playing? Lexington, Hingham? Sharon? Weston?  

KC: no, ( I am censoring as I friends from that town) we're playing ...

Me: oh please they can shove it. 

Josh: burn! 

Moral lesson: I am not from those towns mentioned above. I am poor. Hahahahah. 

2015 in Review

Hello 2016. Hello everyone. Happy new year. 

I don't do resolutions nor do I do bucket lists. I used to do goals but most of it don't happen especially my travel ones so I have decided to go with the flow. 

2015 is a great year. It didn't start well believe me. I spent the first nights of 2015 crying and nursing some deep pain. But then I decided to make it so much better, because I can. Yes, leave the things you can't control and decide to be happy as that is something you can do without permission. Yes, you do not need permission to be happy. 

Winter in Boston was epic bad. It broke all records but we were all safe and I thank God for that. But it also meant longer school year for the kids as they had to make up classes. I was also grateful for my job as it allowed me to stay with the kids during this harsh winter. 

In the spring, the kids continued to grow and some of the teenager angst they had have slowly melted away like the winter snow. We have family issues as much as the next door neighbor but nothing we can't win over. 

This year made me also prayerful. I prayed all the time. Everytime I start to feel pain or start to struggle, I pray. Also, I pray on bended knees now. I did so in 2014 when I was in professional rut and I continued to do so. It gave me deep peace and unprecedented understanding and patience. I am not claiming I am religious because I am not nor am I claiming to be a saint as I am nowhere near that. All I am saying is that when I have no one to hold on to or nothing to root for in life, prayer kept me going. 

Summer was great as we spent it with family in Montreal. As always, Josh and Karmina love spending time there. When I can afford to be off the whole summer, I'd like to spend it with my sisters and nieces and nephew in Montreal. It's a beautiful city and my relatives spoil me. It's also this summer that we started going to colleges to scout for Pherry. It's a learning process for me too as I did not go to college here in the US. I was glad I brought the two younger kids as they were able to get a glimpse of the much needed requirements of they wanted to go to good schools. But I also realized, it isn't really just about grades but the total package. I say it again, I am not one of those parents who pushes their kids too much.

The sentence above was where I stopped and I couldn't think of anything to add so instead golf keeping this on my "draft" I'll post it. 

I hope to be a better blogger soon.